Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators GACE Practice Test

A business education teacher wants to evaluate her program in terms of how well graduates are prepared for the workforce. Which of the following strategies would be most likely to provide the best data to answer this question?

1. Asking students to complete internships with local employers

2. Asking the business professors at a local community college to provide feedback

3. Conducting a survey of recent graduates to see if they were able to find jobs with local employers

4. Setting up an advisory committee of local employers to gather feedback on graduates' performance in the workplace

The correct answer is: Setting up an advisory committee of local employers to gather feedback on graduates' performance in the workplace

Establishing an advisory committee of local employers is the most effective strategy to evaluate how well graduates are prepared for the workforce. This approach allows for direct engagement with professionals who interact with graduates during their employment. These employers can provide specific, firsthand insights into the skills, competencies, and overall performance of graduates, which is invaluable for assessing program effectiveness. Involving local employers in an advisory capacity ensures that feedback is not only relevant but also timely, reflecting current industry demands and standards. This collaborative relationship can highlight gaps in the education program and suggest necessary adjustments to curriculum and training, thus fostering continuous improvement. While conducting a survey of recent graduates can provide useful information regarding job acquisition, it may not offer detailed insights into their workplace performance and preparedness. Asking students to complete internships may offer practical experience, but it does not inherently measure the program's effectiveness in preparing students overall. Feedback from business professors at a community college can be helpful, but these professors might not have comprehensive insights into real-world employer expectations. Therefore, the option of forming an advisory committee is the most strategic and comprehensive choice for evaluating graduate readiness in the workforce.